Electrochemically Mediated Esterification of Aromatic Aldehydes with Aliphatic Alcohols via Anodic Oxidation

Abstract

A series of ester compounds were synthesized by direct oxidative coupling of aldehydes with alcohols. The electrosynthesis reaction can be carried out at room temperature without inert gas protection, external oxidants, N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst and alkali (such as DBU (1, 5-dizzabicyclo[5.4.0]undecen-5-ene)), etc. The oxidative esterification reaction processes in a simple and easily available undivided electrochemical cell and constant current mode. This protocol features mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, cheap and easily available starting materials, and simple operation, providing a new strategy for the green synthesis of ester compounds.